Digital Universe : The Global Telecommunication Revolution

For the student and general reader, a tour of the digital universe that offers critical observations and new perspectives on human communication and intelligence. Traces the development and diffusion of digital information and communication technologies, providing an analysis of trans-cultural effects among developed and developing nations Provides a balanced analysis of the pros and cons of the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies Explores privacy, censorship, the digital divide, online games, and virtual and augmented realities Follows a thematic structure, allowing readers to access the text at any point, based on their interests Accompanying resources provide a wealth of related online content

Peter B. Seel is a professor in the Department of Journalism and Technical Communication at Colorado State University, where he teaches new communication technologies, video production, digital photography, and documentary film. Dr. Seel is the co-author of two books and many articles on digital television and new media technologies.

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

Some Key Terms xi

Part I Introduction and Framing 1

1 The Digital Universe: A "Quick-Start" Introduction 3

2 Thinking About Moore's Law 14

3 Critical Perspectives 25

Part II Internet and Web History 41

4 Origins of the Internet 43

5 Internet Evolution 64

6 The Web 82

Part III Telecommunication and Media Convergence 103

7 Telecommunication and the "Flat" World 105

8 Digital Media Convergence 127

Part IV Internet Control, Cyberculture, and Dystopian Views 143

9 The Public and Private Internet 145

10 Censorship and Global Cyberculture 168

11 The Dark Side 186

Part V New Communication Technologies and the Future 205

12 Wired and Wireless Technologies 207

13 Virtual and Augmented Worlds 226

14 The Future of the Digital Universe 253

Index 270